The LSU 2021 Freshman class is loaded with talent heading into the college football season. As the Tigers gear up to rebound from the abysmal 2020 season, the program is excited about the young talent on the roster. As head coach Ed Orgeron rebuilds, the LSU 2021 freshmen will have a chance to prove their value.
While the upperclassmen will be the spotlight, LSU has a plethora of freshman that can make an impact on both sides of the ball. The Tigers’ first game is on September 4, and Fall camp is in full swing on the Bayou.
LSU Freshman on Offense to Watch
On offense, running backs Armoni Goodwin and Corey Kiner have been impressive in camp. The two touted tailbacks will be competing for backup roles in the backfield. Both Goodwin and Kiner have unique skill sets that could set them apart in the future. Kiner was a five-star recruit while Goodwin was a four-star prospect.
LSU returns both Tyrion Davis-Price and John Emery Jr. as the starter and immediate backup. Emery Jr. was injured and missed the Spring game back in April. Davis-Price has been injured during camp, but should be fine for the season. As camp rolls on, Kiner and Goodwin are names to keep an eye on in the running back room.
At quarterback, freshman Garrett Nussmeier will now be the No. 2 signal-caller behind starter Max Johnson. Nussmeier has impressive skills and displayed that during the Spring game. Expect him to see the field against teams like McNeese State, Central Michigan and Louisiana-Monroe. The Tigers could use a two-quarterback system which would give Nussmeier an opportunity to get work in should something happen to Johnson. He has a good arm and can go downfield, but needs to work on his mechanics before becoming a potential starter in Baton Rouge.
Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. have been impressing in camp. The No.1 wide receiver spot is locked up by Kayshon Boutte. After that however, the receiving corps is wide open in terms of talent and who could start. In terms of potential freshman impacts, both Nabers and Thomas Jr. could see playing time this season. They both have the skill set to be used in different receiver positions.
New Defense Stars
The Tigers’ defense is loaded yet again. With a good amount of newcomers on that side of the ball, LSU is set at defense. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will have the pick of the crop in deciding which rising talent to play this season. On the defensive line, Maason Smith has been impressing in camp and is expected to see valuable time on the field in 2021. The addition of Smith will bolster a Tigers defensive line in terms of depth.
In the secondary, Sage Ryan could be a name to watch for early in the season. The former four-star recruit will be a key addition to a Tigers secondary. Pair him with Derek Stingley Jr., Eli Ricks and Jay Ward, and the LSU secondary could end up as one of the best in the country in 2021.
The LSU 2021 freshmen class will be on display when the Tigers travel to Pasadena on September 4 to face the UCLA Bruins.
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